Device for Exercising the Muscles of the Human Body

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for exercising the muscles of the human body generally includes a tension cable having a distal end and a proximal end, a harness disposed at the distal end of the tension cable, and a body support, wherein the tension cable is slidably disposed within an opening in the body support, the opening extending from a distal end of the body support to a proximal end of the body support. The device may also include an anchor at the proximal end of the tension cable. Further, the exercise device may include an adjustment member removably affixed to the tension cable in a position relative to the body support.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/310,158, filed on Mar. 3, 2010.

This application relates generally to an apparatus for exercising the muscles of the human body. It may be beneficial for a user to obtain and utilize an exercise device that targets the leg and gluteus muscles that would be easily portable, light, and relatively inexpensive. This device may be used in the owner's home or be easily transported in luggage for use while traveling. Alternatively, the device may be used in a professional facility as part of a group exercise class, allowing the facility to provide a large number of devices to the students in the class, relatively inexpensively, while not taking up the amount of space that a traditional device would require. The device described herein allows the user to make use of an exercise device that is easily portable, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive to exercise the leg and gluteus muscles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example systems, methods, and so on, and illustrate various example embodiments of aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise device;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exercise device in use; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exercise device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment may include a device 10 used to exercise the muscles of the human body. Specifically, the device may be used to exercise the muscles of the hamstring region of the leg and the gluteus muscles. The exercise device includes a tension cable 12 with a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. An anchor 18 may be attached to, or present at, the proximal end 16 of the tension cable 12, while the distal end 14 of the tension cable 12 is attached to, or is present as part of the cable, a harness 20. The harness 20 may be generally designed to encircle and support a foot or other appendage of the user. Alternatively, the proximal end 16 of the tension cable may not include an anchor.

Additionally, the exercise device 10 includes a body support 22 that is disposed between the distal end 14 and proximal end 16 of the tension cable 12. The tension cable 12 may be slidably, or movably, disposed within an opening in the body support 22, where that opening may be entirely or partially within the body support, to allow the tension cable to be adjusted to the height and/or strength of the user. In one embodiment, the exercise device 10 may include an adjustment member 24 removably affixed to the tension cable 12 in a position relative to the body support. In another embodiment, the adjustment member 24 may be permanently affixed to the body support 22. In this embodiment, the adjustment member 24 may be capable of engaging the tension cable 12 while being affixed to the body support 22.

The tension cable 12 may have elastic properties, stretching from a first length to a second longer length when force is applied. In certain embodiments, the elastic tension cable may be made from or contain rubber, a rubber like material, or a polymer. In certain instances, the material of the tension cable may be latex-free. Conversely, the tension cable 12 will return to about its first length when the force is released. The tension cable 12 may made from an exercise or resistance band, or similarly formed cable. Such cables are generally made of an elastic rubber and may come in a variety of resistance strengths, ranging from about 5 pounds to about 32 pounds of resistance per foot. It is contemplated that the tension cable 12 may vary. For example, the tension cable 22 may be about two feet to about six feet in length, however the pre-expanded length may be made to suit the height and weight of the user. It is also contemplated that the tension cable 12 may be made in various resistance strengths, although the resistance of the tension cable may also be changed by altering the position of the adjustment member or the body support, as discussed below.

The distal end 14 of the tension cable 12 is attached to a harness 20 that is made to encircle, or be temporarily affixed or held to, the foot of the user. It is contemplated that the harness can be attached to the tension cable or may be integral with the cable. In one embodiment the harness 20 may be made of or contain Velcro™ or similar material strap that is adjustable to the size of the user's foot. In another embodiment, the harness 20 may be shaped like the front end of a shoe (not shown) or in a ring-shape and may be created in sizes to fit the user's foot.

The harness 20 is generally designed to attach or temporarily affix or hold the distal end of the tension cable to the foot of the user. Whether the harness is attached as a separate piece to the tension cable or is formed as an integral part of the cable, the harness 20 is generally affixed to the tension cable 12 in a sufficiently sturdy manner to allow the user to extend his or her leg from a kneeling or 90 degree angle to a position in which the user's leg is extended behind them, as shown in FIG. 2. Any suitable attachment method for affixing the harness to the tension cable, such as, but not limited to, molding, pinning, bolting, and gluing, is contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the exercise device 10 includes a body support 22 that may be slidably disposed around the tension cable 12. In one embodiment, the body support 22 is positioned between the proximal 16 and distal 14 ends of the tension cable 12. The body support 22 may be a knee or other suitable kneeling pad. While pictured in the Figures as flat or relatively flat, the body support 22 may also be curved such as to cradle the knee of the user.

In one embodiment, the body support 22 may include an inner cushioning layer, of foam rubber, memory foam, or other suitable material and optionally, an outer layer of lining, of cotton or non-slip material. The body support 22 is generally thick enough to cushion the user's knee against the weight of the kneeling body and also thick enough to allow the tension cable to be slidably disposed within the body support 22. As such, the body support 22 may include a distal end 26, a proximal end 28, and an opening 30 extending between them. The opening 30 may be entirely within the body support 22 or partially within the body support 22. Generally the opening 30 is circular and is large enough for the tension cable 12 be threaded there through.

The exercise device may also include an adjustment member 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the adjustment member 24 may be securely affixed to either the distal 26 or proximal end 28 of the body support 22. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment member 24 may be disposed between the proximal end 28 of the body support 22 and the proximal end 16 of the tension cable 12.

In this embodiment, while affixed to the body support 22, the adjustment member 24 is capable of engaging the tension cable 12, securing the body support 22 to the tension cable 12 in a desired location. The adjustment member 24 may be a clamp or similarly suitable structure used to allow the adjustment of the length of the tension cable 12 extending between the proximal end 28 of the body support 22 and the harness 20.

In another embodiment, the adjustment member 24 may be separate from the body support 22, as shown in FIG. 3. The adjustment member 24 may be used the hold the tension cable 12 in a preferred location, relative to the body support 22, increasing or decreasing the amount of resistance exerted on the user when their foot is extended.

With reference again to FIG. 3, the proximal end 16 of the tension cable 12 may be attached to, or is present as part of the cable, an anchor 18. The anchor 18 may be made of a Velcro™ or similar material strap that is adjustable to the size of the user's hand. In use, the anchor 18 may be placed in the palm of the user's hand and be used to suspend the tension cable 12 between the foot and hand of the user. Alternatively, the anchor 18 may be affixed to or placed around, within, or under, something stationary in the room, such as a door handle, afoot of a chair or other heavy piece of furniture, allowing the user to concentrate on the movements of the leg and the balance of the body, leaving the hands free for use as support. In another embodiment, the anchor 18 may be made of a hard-type plastic or other similar material. The anchor 18 may include a grip coating or molding to enhance non-slip properties. In this embodiment, the anchor 18 may held in the user's hand or may be otherwise anchored to an immovable object such as by being placed on an opposite side of a shut door, providing a fixed point of resistance for the tension cable 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment the exercise device 10 may be used by positioning a user in a kneeling manner, with both knees and palms on the ground, upper legs and arms perpendicular to the supporting surface, and the torso of the user parallel to the supporting surface. The body support 22 is then placed under the right knee of the user and the harness 20 is placed around the left foot. The length of the tension cable 12 extending from the body support 22 to the harness may be adjusted by sliding the tension cable 12 through the opening in the body support and adjusting the adjustment member.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tension cable 12 may include markings 32 indicating the desired resistive force desired by the user. The tension cable 12 may be adjusted relative to the markings 32 to ensure the appropriate resistive force is achieved by the user.

Once the tension cable 12 is in place, the weight of the user on the body support 22 will generally hold the tension cable 12 in place while the exercise device 10 is in use. As shown in FIG. 2, the exercise device 10 is used by extending the left foot from the kneeling position to an extended position behind the user, exerting resistance on the hamstring, calf, and abductor or gluteus muscles of the user. Alternatively, the user may extend their left foot to the side of their body, exerting resistance on the adductor muscles of the hip and thigh.

In other embodiments, the tension cable may be held in place by either holding the anchor 18 in the hand of the user, as shown in FIG. 3, or by similarly affixing the anchor 18 to a stationary point, as described above. The tension cable 12 may also be held in place, relative to either the markings 32 or the body support 22 by affixing the adjustment member 24 to the tension cable 12, as shown in FIG. 2 or 3.

While example methods and devices have been illustrated by describing examples, and while the examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the methods and devices, and so on, described herein. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the preceding description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A device for exercising the muscles of the human body comprising: a tension cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a harness disposed at said distal end of said tension cable; and a body support, wherein said tension cable is slidably disposed within an opening in said body support, said opening extending from a distal end of said body support to a proximal end of said body support.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said tension cable has elastic properties.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said body support is disposed between said distal end of said tension cable and said harness.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an anchor disposed at said proximal end of said tension cable.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein said device further comprises an adjustment member disposed between said body support and said distal end of said tension cable.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said adjustment member is affixed to said distal end of said body support and is capable of securely engaging said tension cable.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein said adjustment member is removably affixed to said tension cable.
 8. A device for exercising the muscles of the human body comprising: a tension cable having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said tension cable has elastic properties; a harness disposed at said distal end of said tension cable; an anchor disposed at said proximal end of said tension cable; and a body support, wherein said tension cable is slidably disposed within an opening in said body support, said opening extending from a distal end of said body support to a proximal end of said body support.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said body support is disposed between said distal end of said tension cable and said harness.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said device further comprises an adjustment member disposed between said body support and said distal end of said tension cable.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein said adjustment member is affixed to said distal end of said body support and is capable of securely engaging said tension cable.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said adjustment member is removably affixed to said tension cable.
 13. A method of exercising the muscles of the human body comprising: providing a device comprising a tension cable having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said tension cable has elastic properties; a harness disposed at said distal end of said tension cable; and a body support, wherein said tension cable is slidably disposed within an opening in said body support, said opening extending from a distal end of said body support to a proximal end of said body support; positioning a user in a kneeling position; placing the body support of the exercise device under a knee of the user and placing the harness around a foot of a user; using the user's weight on the body support to hold the tension cable in place while the exercise device is in use; extending the foot of the user from the kneeling position to an extended position behind the user.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the exercise device further comprises an anchor disposed at said proximal end of said tension cable.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising holding the tension cable in place by holding the anchor in a hand of the user.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising holding the tension cable in place affixing the anchor to a stationary point.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the exercise device further comprises marking disposed on the tension cable; and wherein the tension cable may be adjusted relative to the markings to ensure appropriate resistive force is achieved by the user.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein a length of the tension cable extending from the body support to the harness may be adjusted by sliding the tension cable through the opening in the body support. 